GLADSTONE (William Ewart, 1809-1898, Prime Minister)

Long Autograph letter signed to the Secretary of the Edinburgh, Perth & Dundee Railway Co., saying that “upon receiving a few days ago the circular and proxy relating to the arrangement contemplated between the EPD and the North British Companies, I, without much consideration but simply placing as usual my confidence in the Directors sent my proxy in their favour. I have since learned that there is a difference of opinion respecting the bearing of the plans on the ordinary shareholders and it seems that the prices of shares have fallen since it became public. Now though I am an ordinary shareholder my largest interest is in Preference Shares; and I am very reluctant to be mixed up in any matter of serious controversy on which I am imperfectly informed, and especially when it touches the respect interests of different classes. Under the circumstances and it being impossible for me to put myself in a position to obtain full information, I have to beg that my proxy may be considered as suspended and not put in use at the meeting ... I shall not in any case interfere against the Directors...”, 4 sides 8vo., Hawarden, 23rd September browned and frayed at the edges, repaired

With a contemporary note that the letter was addressed to the secretary.
The North British Railway was a British railway company, based in Edinburgh. It was established in 1844, with the intention of linking with English railways at Berwick. The line opened in 1846, and from the outset the company followed a policy of expanding its geographical area, and competing with the Caledonian Railway in particular. In doing so it committed huge sums of money, and incurred shareholder disapproval that resulted in two chairmen leaving the company. Nonetheless the company successfully reached Carlisle, where it later made a partnership with the Midland Railway. It also linked from Edinburgh to Perth and Dundee, but for many years the journey involved a ferry crossing of the Forth and the Tay. Eventually the North British built the Tay Bridge, but the structure collapsed as a train was crossing in high wind. The company survived the setback and opened a second Tay Bridge, followed soon by the Forth Bridge, which together transformed the railway network north of Edinburgh.

Item Date:  1861

Stock No:  41774      £275

             Add to Wish List     Order/Enquire